Re-Piping vs Epoxy Coating – Which Is Better for Your Building?

When water pipes start to fail, building owners face two main options; full re-piping or epoxy pipe coating. Both aim to solve aging pipe problems, but they differ significantly in safety, lifespan, and long-term value.

Why Old Pipes Fail

Most older buildings have pipes that are corroded or simply too small in diameter for modern water demand. The result is excessive flow rates, leaks, and rising repair costs. When this happens, a real solution is needed and not a temporary fix.

Option 1 – Full Re-Piping

Re-piping means removing old pipes entirely and installing new ones throughout the building. Walls and ceilings are opened up, old pipes are pulled out, new pipes are run through the walls and ceilings of all units, the walls are repaired, and the system is pressure-tested then inspected by the City before sign-off.

New plumbing materials include stainless steel and/or PEX, both of which are durable and corrosion-resistant. The result is a fully compliant and inspected brand-new plumbing system with pipe diameter installed to new code, guaranteed water pressure, and a newly expected lifespan of 50 plus years. These new systems are reviewed and accepted by insurers and municipalities.

Option 2 – Epoxy Pipe Coating

Epoxy coating takes a different approach; rather than replacing pipes, a thin epoxy is sprayed inside piping after it has been cleaned and dried. The old pipes stay in place, now epoxy lined on the interior.

It’s often marketed as a faster and less inexpensive installation — but the tradeoffs are worth understanding carefully.

The Concerns with Epoxy Coating

The most immediate issue is pipe diameter. The epoxy layer narrows the inside of the pipe, which can reduce water pressure and make undersized pipes even worse. In buildings where low pressure is already a problem, this can be counterproductive.

There are also code and compliance questions. Epoxy jobs sometimes proceed without proper design review and permiting, and the modified pipe system may no longer meet current building codes. This can create permit complications, insurance issues, and problems at resale.

Durability is another concern. Risks include uneven coating thickness, poor adhesion, and damage to valves and fittings. If the coating fails, the building may still need full re-piping down the road — meaning owners pay twice.

As for cost savings, epoxy is often advertised as 35% to 40% less compared to repiping, but in practice the savings are usually closer to 10% to15%.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Full Re-Piping	Epoxy Coating
Pipe condition	Brand new	Old pipes remain
Pipe diameter	Fully restored	Reduced
Code compliance	Fully compliant	Often questioned
Lifespan	50 plus years	Uncertain
Insurance approval	Always accepted	Sometimes rejected
System Alterations	Can easily work on	Can’t use torches on epoxied copper pipe

Frequenty asked questions

Is epoxy coating more affordable when compared to full re-piping?

In many cases, the savings are only 10–15%, not the 35–40% often advertised.

Can epoxy coating cause low water pressure?

Yes. The coating reduces pipe size, which can lower pressure.

Will insurance accept epoxy-coated pipes?

Some insurers may reject or limit coverage.

How long does full re-piping last?

In many cases, the savings are only 10–15%, not the 35–40% often advertised.

Which Option Is Right for Your Building?

For both rental and strata buildings, full repiping is the stronger long-term investment. It delivers proven performance, code compliance, and better resale value. Epoxy coating may seem appealing upfront, but the modest cost savings rarely justify the risks and uncertainties involved.

Drinking water systems need to meet strict safety standards, and long-term reliability matters more than short-term savings.

Get a Professional Assessment

If your building has aging pipes or you’re weighing these options, a professional evaluation is the best place to start. We provide pipe condition assessments, code compliance reviews, cost comparisons, and long-term planning advice for apartment and strata buildings across Metro Vancouver.

Safe Plumbing. Proven Solutions. Long-Term Protection. Contact us to learn more.